What are the characteristics of a good show jumping horse?
Bundeschampionate is actually the German National Championship for young horses and is held in Warendorf. What distinguishes a good show jumping horse?
Interview with Vicky Laufkötter: "If the jumping style and rideability are correct, there will be no problem with time later on." United Touch S, a participant in these competitions, is the first champion in the Warendorf Grand Prix, European champion, and world team champion.
A professional and flawless path.
The competition for 5 and 6-year-old show jumping horses is considered one of the oldest competitions.
These competitions were established in 1980, coinciding with the introduction of new tests for show jumping horses.
Question: In show jumping horse tests, criteria such as rideability, canter ability, and jumping style, including agility, bascule, leg technique, and ease of jumping, are considered for evaluating horses.
From your personal perspective, what makes a good show jumping horse?
Vicky Laufkötter: "We don't necessarily need those 'extraordinary' horses that stay in the air for a very long time.
We need agile and healthy sport horses with a good mindset that don't lose much time over the obstacle.
In my opinion, a good show jumping horse should be strong yet light in movement, and at the same time, soft and agile in the body, and also have a functional Chaharnal.
We need a horse that thinks for itself; that is, it has a good view in the course and is alert over the obstacle.
A horse that puts its ears forward, is focused on the obstacle, and wants to go to the other side of the obstacle.
And of course, the horse should also have basic rideability and good balance, especially in modern courses where the path of lines and distances also play a decisive role.
Our educational system has proven its effectiveness over many years through show jumping horse tests.
If the jumping style and rideability are correct, there will be no problem with time later on, and the rounds will also look coordinated and well-formed."
Question: Which champions or participants have stayed in your mind?
Vicky Laufkötter: "Without a doubt, Stakkato.
He really had a special way of jumping.
In 1998, I was still a student and participated in this national competition for the first time that year.
I was immediately completely fascinated; both by that horse and the whole event.
In recent years, personally, Chao Li, the 2018 federal champion and 2019 runner-up with Kathrin Eckermann, and Chacoa Cat, the 2024 winner with Sophie Hiners, have stayed in my mind.
Both of them have made their way to the level of championship sports and are now also very successful under the riding of Kathrin Eckermann.
And of course, United Touch S also comes to mind.
In 2017, he became the federal runner-up with Hendrik Dowe and in 2022, with his current rider Richard Vogel, won the first 'Warendorf Grand Prix' for former participants; I will never forget that barrage.
The continuation of his success story has now become a part of history itself.
Question: How does a good participant in these competitions become a top-level championship sport horse?
Vicky Laufkötter: "Proper management in terms of sports, maintenance, and health is the alphabet of the work.
Basic quality alone is not enough.
This path requires proper planning, selecting suitable goals, and thoughtful and appropriate use so that the horse can progress as it should.
This matter does not proceed with a fixed formula, and there is no universal and identical solution.
The training and competition program should be tailored individually for each horse and regularly reviewed and adjusted.
And of course, sometimes setbacks occur, and not all horses reach the highest level.
Another very decisive point is that there should be harmony between the horse and the rider; the rider must know their horse with all its needs and abilities and act accordingly.
Someone once told me: A horse moves the way the rider drives and treats it.
And that really says it all!
More information about the Bundeschampionate Al Shirah is available at www.bundeschampionate-warendorf.de and tickets are also offered directly in the ticket shop.
Status: 25.08.2026 Source: Pferd Aktuell (FN)